We never said goodbye

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Isaac and Ben Zwolinski at the funeral of their parents today at the Sacred Heart Cathedral.Photo: Simone Depeak

Isaac and Ben Zwolinski never had a chance to say goodbye to
their parents who were killed in the latest Bali bombings.

The teenage brothers stood before a packed funeral service in
Newcastle's Sacred Heart Cathedral today to finally farewell Colin
and Fiona Zwolinski, who died at Jimbaran beach on October 1.

As the service began, Ben, 14, stood with his brother Isaac, 17,
at the cathedral's pulpit to read a short statement.

He said they had wonderful memories of their parents "who always
had time for us" in their busy lives.

But the pair was saddened that they never had a chance to say
goodbye and prayed God would look after their parents in heaven, he
said.

Mr Zwolinski, 54, a mining executive and his wife, 44, a nurse,
were holidaying in Bali with their sons when suicide bombers struck
at three crowded restaurants.

The blasts killed 23 people, including four Australians.

Ben and Isaac chose not to join their parents on the night one
of the bombs ripped through a seafood restaurant at Jimbaran Bay,
where the Zwolinskis were dining with a large group of Newcastle
families.

Their friend, Jennifer Williamson, was also killed. Nine others
in the group were seriously injured by shrapnel in the bombing.

About 1,000 people from the Newcastle community today packed
into the city cathedral to pay their respects to the
Zwolinskis.

There was standing room only at the crowded cathedral.

The couple's coffins, which were donated by a Bali funeral
director, were draped in flowers and the Australian flag.

Mr Zwolinski's hard hat, a tribute to his position in the mining
industry, and Mrs Zwolinski's running shoes, were also on
display.

Michelle Lane said Mrs Zwolinski, a friend since school days,
would be remembered for her small gestures of kindness and for the
love she had for her family.

"I'm so glad we shared dinner before they went on holidays," Ms
Lane told assembled mourners.

"I'm so glad I told her I loved her because I mean it.

"I miss them both already and I know I always will."

Another family friend, Bronwyn Rauch, promised Isaac and Ben
they would be looked after by the Newcastle community.

Their parents' love had given the boys a strong grounding for
life, she said.

"They are wonderful young men and their parents are so proud of
them," Ms Rauch said.

"Along with their families, there is a network of people to
continue Fiona and Colin's fine work and help Isaac and Ben through
their lives."

Mr Zwolinski's younger brother Kevin reminisced about their
childhood, saying he had nicknamed his brother "madcap" because he
was a go-getter with a keen interest in business.

Another friend, Tony Burton, described Mr Zwolinski as his best
friend in the world.

"I make a commitment here to do whatever I can to get into
heaven because my reward will be catching up with my best
mate."

Family members said their final goodbyes as they filed past the
coffins making the sign of the cross.

Isaac and Ben then joined 12 other pallbearers in carrying their
parents' coffins from the church.

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Isaac and Ben Zwolinski at the funeral of their parents today at the Sacred Heart Cathedral.